How to be a Herpetologist – Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Photo by Todd W. Pierson. Careers in Herpetology In reality, herpetology is a sub-field of biology. Jobs in biology traditionally fall into four areas: college and university employment, government work (including state and federal), medical related work, and zoological park or museum staff. More recently, industrial and medical biotechnology have emerged as areas with new and exciting opportunities for biological research. What all of these jobs have in common is training in a biological field. The herpetological emphasis is put there by the worker! For example, a person might be trained in ecology and do environmental impact studies for the government. If that person is also a herpetologist, reptiles and amphibians might be the animals studied to evaluate changes in the environment. A medical research with training in hematology might, if interested in herpetology, study blood of reptiles and amphibians. It is rare to find a job that considers someone to be a herpetologist first!

Years ago it was possible for individuals to study amphibians and reptiles on their own, perhaps by maintaining large collections of animals or by studying them in the wild, and learn enough to get a position at a zoo or museum as a herpetologist. Today, however, techniques for conducting nearly any biological study have become so sophisticated, and competition for jobs has become so intense, that a college degree is a necessity in order to pursue a career in herpetology. Often an advanced degree (masters or doctorate) in biology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, or some related field is required for almost any specialized job. Many, if not most, herpetologists today are employed at colleges or universities and an advanced degree is usually a condition of employment at such institutions. The specific training required for a career in herpetology varies according to one’s goals. In virtually all cases a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree with a major in biology is required. Courses in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, calculus, physics and/or earth science should be taken. Statistics is now a necessary tool in biological studies and courses in this area are essential.

A great deal of herpetological research is conducted in other countries and facility in one or more foreign languages allows one to follow such activities in other nations. As in other branches of science, computer literacy is indispensable and students should enroll in courses that provide training in computer use. Any college that provides a strong background in the sciences, mathematics and English also provides the basis for a career in herpetology. But if you are seriously interested in pursuing herpetology as a career you might want to attend a college that also offers a course in herpetology (or at least in natural history or vertebrate zoology) and has one or more faculty members conducting herpetological research. “Leads” to such institutions can best be obtained by studying several recent issues of herpetological journals such as Journal of Herpetology, Herpetological Review, Copeia, or Herpetologica, and noting where some particularly interesting research (to you) is being conducted. You can then write to the institutions or authors and ask for further information about their programs.

Another reason to look at herpetological journals, which may be found in college or natural history museum libraries, is to give you some idea of the broad scope of herpetological research and to help you narrow down your interest. Following graduation from college with a bachelor’s degree in biology, you may want to seek employment immediately. However, opportunities for employment with only a bachelor’s degree are limited, both in terms of available positions and level of advancement. Nevertheless, many graduates obtain jobs in museums or zoos working with exhibits and live animals and dealing with the public. Others work in research laboratories assisting investigators with their projects; such positions exist at larger colleges and in certain government agencies. Students with a broad interest in natural history may find jobs in local, state, or national parks (as park naturalists) or certain large companies as environmental specialists; a knowledge of herpetology can be particularly useful in these positions. In addition, there are many fields — veterinary assistant, biomedical salesperson, biology teacher — where positions less herpetologically related are also available. Students who continue their education through to the masters or doctorate degree usually find employment where they have greater freedom to pursue their own interests, the salary is higher, and the responsibilities are greater.

Most individuals with a Ph.D. work at a college or university where they teach and conduct research in their own area of interest. Herpetological research is often conducted in the field, which involves the collection, marking or observation of organisms, or the analysis of environmental conditions associated with particular populations. However, other herpetologists have a strong interest in laboratory research and spend little time in the field. Studies in physiology, immunology, embryology, genetics, anatomy, and biochemistry are usually conducted in a laboratory, while research in ecology, behavior, population biology, systematics, reproductive biology, and biogeography involve significant amounts of field work. In all cases, however, data have to be analyzed, summarized, and eventually published in a scientific journal. The goal of herpetological research, as with other branches of biology, is to learn as much as possible about our special interest and to communicate this knowledge to others. Publication of this research in journals is how scientific knowledge is communicated and most employers look for people who have shown an ability to do research and also to publish it. Developing writing skills should therefore be considered a must in college. The main thing is — if you want to be a herpetologist, try it!

The study of animal biology can be a continuing interest and challenge for the rest of your life, and it will serve you well no matter what career you ultimately choose. Herpetology as a Career was written in 1985 by a committee composed of: Henri C. Seibert (Chairman) Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA This page was initiated on 13 April 1998. Of course, we do not expect that it will answer all your questions, or that it will answer your questions completely. But it should provide many answers, and as always you are encouraged to contact us with additional questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Where can I find schools that offer a degree that includes course work in herpetology? There is a partial [and somewhat outdated] list at that will get you started. But one of the best ways is to use a major search engine and plug in the words herpetology course. You can also add a state name, etc to refine your search. We are in the process of building a database, and will make it available when it gets to a useful size.

Do I absolutely need a graduate degree (Masters or PhD) to do research in herpetology? To do herpetological research as a university faculty member or museum curator presently requires a PhD and usually a history of successful grant-writing. However, there are a fair number of persons doing high-quality, accepted research in herpetology who have no higher degree. They are scholars in every sense of the word who are self-taught, and who went out and collected animals, made careful observations, read a lot, and talked to others at professional meetings. One of the leading authorities on Mexican herpetology is a pharmaceuticals salesman in Louisiana. One of the leading authorities on Kansas (USA) herps, just now retired, never finished college. And, one of the world’s authorities on the breeding biology of pythons is a young fellow in Oklahoma (USA) who has managed to make a fine living out of breeding them commercially. But note that the emphasis of this section is jobs in herpetology; doing good research does not guarantee a salary for it! What kind of benefits does a herpetologist get? Do you get medical and dental benefits, and retirement? These things depend upon your employer and are very variable.

What’s the best way for a high school (or younger) student to begin to prepare to investigate herpetology as a career? It is important to begin to cultivate contacts through joining any State herpetological society or similar groups. Many have Web sites. Membership typically is a broad cross-section of society — persons with jobs in diverse fields, who share an interest in herpetology. Some members almost surely will be university faculty; others may work in State non-game wildlife programs; some will be students; others will be interested hobbyists with no job-link to herpetology at all. Also, you should, in high school, take a well-rounded set of courses (emphasizing sciences) that will qualify you for admittance to a good, 4-year college, in which you should major in what generally is called “organismic biology” or some synonym for that which distinguishes it from “cell and molecular.” Your GPA will be important; competition can be fierce! I know of no undergraduate program that offers herpetology as a sole concentration; it simply is too narrow a field, though at many schools a herpetology COURSE or two will be offered. A Bachelor’s of Science degree would be appropriate.

How can a person, who because of young age or lack of formal schooling, learn about reptile and amphibian behavior other than by reading books? Don’t ignore reading as a source of knowledge! Books and scientific journals contain a wealth of information unavailable on the Web. Keeping herps as pets is an enjoyable way to observe habits and get to know species, but it has its own drawbacks in that care is constantly required, even when on vacation or off to college (some species live a LONG time!). It can be as useful (maybe more), if there is a nearby good-quality zoo, to volunteer some Summer time to help do cleaning or be a “gofer” in the reptile department. Do not expect to be allowed to work with live animals at once; zoo policy or insurance regulations may in fact prohibit non-employees from so doing. But, one can learn a great deal this way, as well as expand one’s contacts. And, sometimes good-quality volunteer work can lead to a paying job. Volunteer work should be planned as a regular part of the week, so supervisors know they can depend upon a volunteer showing up, even if for a couple of hours MWF (or whatever all agree is useful).

Volunteering to help a college faculty member with research interests can be a similarly good experience that allows a lot of learning as a benefit. Herpetology: What it is, how to find universities, and a little more... Last updated January 1, 2014 Herpetology What it is, how to find universities, and a little more... Compiled by Melissa Kaplan Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it. - Albert Einstein Several times a year I receive email from students who tell me that they want to be a herpetologist like me and would like to know where to go to school to get this education. After I let them know I am not a herpetologist (I do not have a graduate degree in biology/zoology), I refer them to this page to find out about some of the universities that at one time, at least, had herpetologists on staff.

Since I compiled the information here in 1997 and moved my website to its new location, I have not done much in the way of updating the information on the schools or faculty, nor do I plan to actively research this information Since researching information is one of the skills a biologist/zoologist needs, I figure this is a good time to start for those interested in pursuing studies in this area. A section of this page does provide some suggestions on how to get started on this research. If someone does come up with more current information or additional schools and would like to see it added to this page, please do send it to me . her·pe·tol·o·gy (hur´pi-tal e-jee) The branch of zoology that deals with the study of reptiles and amphibians. Many junior and high school students are interested in studying herpetology when they go to college. What most do not realize is that there are no degrees in herpetology. There are, however, biologists and zoologists who come to specialize in the study of reptiles and/or amphibians. What Is a Herpetologist?

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles has an online article, " Herpetology As A Career ." The SSAR is also developing a database of university herp programs. They also have an Interview with a Herpetologist that helps answer a lot of questions about what it's like to be a herpetologist and how to get there. A Note From Scott Moody, Herpetologist, Ohio University in Athens, Athens OH Remember that herpetologists are first anatomists, geneticists, ecologists, physiologists, biochemists, behaviorists, endocrinologists, etc. Traditionally, unfortunately, these fields have primarily used only a few animal models, for example, the house mouse or Norway rat. The study of biology is increasingly moving into a diversity of animal models, taking a comparative/evolutionary, or integrative, point of view, hence a greater interest in herpetology. Also, the federal regulations for maintaining and caring for herps is not as costly and complex as for hairy mammals so many people change models. Animal holding facilities are now hiring people with a background in raising and breeding herps.

Traditionally, fish and wildlife (conservation or hunt/reel) departments, as well as national forest wildlife biologists, EPA aquatic biologists, etc., at the federal and state level have primarily involved themselves with game animals (birds, mammals, fish), but are increasingly hiring people with expertise in the so-called non-game areas such as herpetology. This corresponds with environmentalists and conservation-oriented biologists finding that amphibians and reptiles make much better ecological-indicator species, thus more survey and experimental studies are being conducted using herps. These are the two areas of growth as I see it. But remember, the questions of science are much more important than the organisms by which the questions are answered. Get a thorough (breadth and depth) education in science. Scott Moody describes himself as being a herpetologist, anatomist, paleontologist, biogeographer, systematist, philosopher and science education specialist. Finding Herpetology Courses/Programs Not all colleges or universities offer courses in herpetology.

One of the prerequisites to such offering appears to be the presence on the faculty of biology or zoology professors who themselves have an abiding interest in the study of reptiles and/or amphibians and so develop some of their classes along those lines. Sometimes, the old ways still work best. Check out college and university guides, such as Peterson's Guide to Colleges and Universities . The other way is to find out where herpetologists are themselves teaching. Finding Herpetologists One way to find out which herpetologist is doing what kind of work and where they are is to head to your local university library and hit the stacks and look for the journals that typically publish articles related to herps. You may be able to access the library from home by going to the school's website and from there into their library, or use the resources available through your local public library's system to link into available library resources. Some resources are limited to access from the university's own library; you can check out what's available to the public by going and talking to the librarians there. Once you are into the library systems, you can do subject and name searches, or more general search, such as "herpetology".

Herp-specific journals include Herpetologica, Herpetology Review, and Coepia. You will find more information on these journals at my Herp Literature: Journals page. Herp-related articles also appear in journals like Physiological Zoology, Brain and Behavior, Journal of Nutrition, and other journals covering a wide range of subjects You can photocopy articles you find interesting. The most important bit of information for your purposes, however, is to note which biologists' work most interest you, then check the author information given in each article to find out where they are. Another way to find people is to do searches on their names in a metasearch engine such as Google or Teoma . School Listing The following lists for the United States and Canada comes from a information originally compiled in 1994. Some of the people may have moved on, new professors hired, courses added or dropped, etc. Always confirm before sending off your applications! Since all colleges and universities now have websites, it has become easier to do a lot of the research online. For a complete listing of university and college sites, check directories such as Yahoo's Colleges & Universities . Bowling Green State University Eileen M.

Underwood, Biological Sciences, BGSU, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, 419-372-2531 9/2006: Currently at BGSU there are multiple courses relating to herpetology. Undergraduate courses include: herpetoculture, reptile husbandry, amphibian husbandry, and readings (independent study) in herpetoculture. Beyond course work there is a sizeable herpetology lab run by Dr. Underwood that includes multiple genetics projects in snakes, geckos and lizards. The lab, which is staffed entirely by undergraduate and graduate volunteers, does hands-on research along with public demonstrations for schools and other organizations. (J. Shipman) Gary C. Packard, Dept of Biology, CSU, Ft Collins CO 80523, 303-491-5376 Courses: 1 undergrad, 0 grad, offered spring semester, alternate years Master's degree and PhD available. Undergrads can pursue research in herpetology as I.S. with the approval of a faculty sponsor/adviser.

Students concentrating in herps generally have interests in the ecological physiology of amphib and/or reps. Herp Faculty: Gary C. Packard, C. Richard Tracy Dr. Kraig Adler, Dept of Biology, 410 Thurston Ave, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14850 1 grad, 1 undergrad (same course), alternate years. PhD available. Undergrads can pursue herp research with special arrangements with individual professors. Herp Faculty: Kraig Adler, Antonie Blackler, Howard Evans, George Kollias Dr. Paul Cupp, Jr., Dept of Biology, EKU, Richmond KY 40475-3124 1 grad, 1 undergrad, alternate springs MS in Biology; no concentration in herpetology as committee determines coursework Undergrads can pursue herp research as a special problems course. Herp Faculty: Paul Cupp Jr. R. Brent Thomas, Interim Chair, Dept. of Biol. Sci, ESU, Emporia, KS MS in Biology with a herp concentration. Atlanta, GA Master's degree and PhD available. Undergrads can pursue herp research with special arrangements with individual professors.

Although the Univ offers no specific herp courses, herps are covered in the Animal Biology (BIOL3840), Animal Biology Lab (BIOL3850), and Zoo Biology (BIOL4104) courses offered through the Department of Biology. Herps may also be part of zoo internships (BIOL4911/4912) by special arrangement. Herp Faculty include: Walt Wilczynski (Psychology) Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dept of Biol, Cambridge MA 02138 1 undergrad; 1 grad (annually) PhD with concentration in herps Undergrads can pursue herp research with permission of faculty. Herp faculty: John E. Cadle. Dept of Ecology & Organismal Biology Terre Haute, IN 47809 1 undergrad/grad course in herpetology; Masters and PhD programs available. Undergrads and grads can pursue research in herps with a faculty mentor. Herp Faculty: Drs. MJ Angilletta, GS Bakken, and DK Hews John Carroll University Dept of Biology, University Heights OH 44118 M.S.

Biology, no concentration in Herpetology but undergraduates and graduates students often pursue research in herpetology. Herpetology (BL421/521) offered at the senior undergrad and graduate level. Herpetology faculty: Carl Anthony , behavioral ecology of herps; Chris Sheil , Developmental biology, ecology and systematics of turtles and frogs. Museum of Natural Science, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 1 undergrad (every other year), 1 grad (every year). Undergrads can pursue herp research with permission of faculty; no specific area of concentration. Middle Tennessee State University Department of Biology, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. 615-898-2847 M.S. in Biology. Both undergraduate and graduate research. Herp Faculty: Vince Cobb (snake ecology, natural history of herps, thermoregulation); Brian Miller; Matt Klukowski. Zoology Dept, 203 Natural Sciences Bldg MSU, East Lansing MI 48824 1 grad offered odd-numbered years. Masters & PhD available. Undergrads can pursue herp research via independent study with faculty.

Herp Faculty: J. Alan Holman Missouri State University (formerly Southwestern Missouri State) Department of Biology, 901 South National, Springfield, MO 65897 MS program. This is perfect for someone that wishes to pursue a masters because there is no competition with PhD students. Everything is geared toward masters-level research, from courses and field training to final testing and manuscript preparation. Faculty include: Don Moll (soon Emeriti)- a well known turlte ecologist; Alicia Mathis- a well known behavioral and amphibian biologist; Brian Greene- teaches herpetology course to grads and undergrads and an expert on snakes ecology and biology; Day Ligon- physiologist studies reptiles, specializing in turtles; - Robert Wilkinson (Emeritus but still around)- an amphibian expert and one of the founders of hellbender conservation; Lynn Robbins- wildlife studies. Ohio University/Athens Graduate Committee Secretary, Dept. of Biol. Sci., Ohio University, Athens OH 45701-2939, 614-593-2334 (FAX 0300) M.S.

and Ph.D - functional morphology, vertebrate paleontology, molecular systematics, population and community ecology, conservation biology, taxonomy and biogeography, etc. Herp Faculty: Scott Moody, classical systematics and comparative morphology of all herps, as well as lizard paleontology and biogeography; Steve Reilly, functional morphology and systematics of salamanders, lizards, etc.; Don Miles, ecology, statistics, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, comparative evolutionary studies, primarily of lizards; Willem Roosenburg, population biology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, primarily of turtles; Matt White, molecular systematics (electrophoresis) of all herps, conservation biol.; Brent Palmer, reproductive endocrinology, physiology and anatomy of all reptiles and amphibians, studies of pesticide disruption of reproduction; Larry Witmer, paleontology and functional morphology of archosaurs; Jim Barron, population biology and ecology of reptiles. William Dunson, S.

Blair Hedges, Dept of Biol, 201 Shields Bldg, Box 3000, University Park PA 16802 1 undergrad, 0 grad, offered irregularly Undergrads can pursue herp research; there is no herp concentration. Herp Faculty: William Dunson, S. Blair Hedges Dr. David R. Long, Dept of Biol, Shippensburg PA 17257 1 dual level grad/undergrad offered alternate summers; Master's available Undergrads can pursue herp research if they are junior level and at least 2.5 GPA. Herp Faculty: David long, Ruthann Pitkin, Fred Howard Dr. Ronald A. Brandon, Dept of Zoology, Carbondale IL 62901-6501 1 dual level undergrad/grad, 1 grad seminar, offered fall alternate years Undergrads with GPA 2.5+ can pursue research in herps. MS an PhD in Zoology with research emphasis in herpetology.

Herp Faculty: Ronald Brandon Joshua Laerm, Museum of Natural History, Athens GA 30602 1 undergrad/grad (ECL 404/604) Ph.D available in Ecology. At this time, only grads can pursue research in herps. Associated with Savannah River Ecology Lab near Aiken, South Carolina. All herp courses through the Dept of Ecology. Herp Faculty: John Avise, Brian Chapman, Justin Congdon, Nat Frazer, J. Whitfield Gibbons, Chester Karwoski, Joshua Laerm, Jim Richardson, Robert J. Warren. University of Kansas Dr. William Duellman, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence KS 66045-2454 2 undergrad, 3 grad MS and PhD in Systematics and Ecology; PhD in Natural History Collection Mangement/Museum Studies. Undergrad can pursue herp research with permission of faculty. Qualified upper level undergrads may take two grad level courses (Amphib Biol, Reptile Biol) with permission from instructor; third course is grad seminar. Occasional special topics offered relating to herps.

Herp Faculty: William Duellman, Linda Trueb, Sally Frost-Mason, Henry Fitch (emeritus but still active in special projects), Joseph Collins (staff member at museum). Penny Jaques, Manager, Oranismic & Evolutionary Biol, Morrill Science Center, Amherst MA 01003-0027 3 undergrad, 3 grad; herpetology offered alternate years Masters & PhD in O & E Biology. Undergrads can pursue herp research with permission of faculty. Herp Faculty: William Bemis, Elizabeth Brainerd, Douglas Smith Profs. Lee & Savage, Dept of Biology, POB 248025, Coral Gables FL 33124 1 undergrad, 2 grad, alternate years Master's and Ph.D available. Undergrads can pursue research in herpetology with the permission of a professor. Herp Faculty:Julian Lee, Jay Savage, Marueen Donnelly Drs. Kluge, Nussbaum & Gans ,1220 Student Activities Bldg, Ann Arbor MI 48109 1 grad, 1 undergrad, offered annually Masters & PhD available.

Undergrads can pursue herp research if supervised by fac advisor. Herp faculty: Arnold Kluge, Ronald Nussbaum, Carl Gans Graduate Coordinator, 218 Tucker Hall, Div of Biology Sciences, Columbia MO 65211 1 undergrad, 0 grad, offered annually. Does not provide a herp degree per se, but provides research opportunities in behavior, ecology, genetics and evolution using amphibs as model systems. Herp Faculty: Carl Gerhardt, Richard Sage, Raymond Semlitsch James D. Fawcett, Dept of Biology, Omaha NE 68182 1 undergrad, 1 grad, alternate years; Masters available. Undergrads can pursue herp research under Supervised Research and Directed Readings. Herp Faculty: James Fawcett Dr. A.C. Echternacht, Dept of Zool, Knoxville TN 37996-0810 1 dual level grad/undergrad offered alternate fall semesters; Master's & PhD available Undergrads can pursue herp research if they are junior level and have had basic core biol courses.

Herp Faculty: AC Echternach, GM Burghardt, N Greeberg Dr. J.A. Campbell, Dept of Biol, POB 19088, Arlington TX 76019-0088 0 undergrad, 2 grad, annually; Masters & PhD available. Undergrads can pursue herp research if supervised by faculty advisor and also graduate thesis for MS degree. Herp Faculty: Jonathan A. Campbell, Eric N. Smith. More info: UTA Herpetology . R.B. Huey, Dept of Zool, Seattle WA 98185 0 undergrad, 0 grad; PhD available Although the Univ offers no specific herp courses, herps are covered in two vertebrate biol courses. Undergrads can pursue independent research in herps. PhD possible if student does research in herps. Pam Henderson, Grad Sec'y, 145 Noland Hall, 250 N.

Mills St, Madison WI 53706 0 grad/under grad; Masters & PhD available Although the Univ offers no specific herp courses, students can pursue reseach in herps as part of the Masters and Ph.D program. Herp Faculty: Warren Porter Drs. Russell and Rosenberg, Dept of Biol, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4 0 grad/under grad; Masters & PhD available Undergrads can pursue research in herps if supervised by an appropriate fac memb. The above grad degress would not be specifically in h erps but may be based on herp subjects. Herp Faculty: Anthony Russell, Herbert Rosenberg. Drs. JP Bogart and P Herbert, Dept of Zool, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 1 undergrad, grad courses vary, offered annually. Masters & PhD available Undergrads can pursue research in herps with the acceptance of a fac member. Herp Faculty: JP Bogart, RJ Brooks, ED Stevens This is by no means a comprehensive list of schools with herpetology courses or herpetologists on staff.

The Information here was developed from original listing published in the the 1994-1995 Guide to North American Herpetology, published by the now defunct Reptile & Amphibian Magazine. Check out the annual publication of the Peterson Guide to Colleges and Universities , available in the education section of college and regular bookstores as well as university and college catalogs and some public libraries reference books section. If you find that some information in this document has changed, please let me know what the updated information is. If you have found another school with a herp program, please email me . How to Become a Herpetologist | EnvironmentalScience.org Employers What is a Herpetologist? Herpetology is the branch of zoology which deals with the study of reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, turtles, and iguanas. It deals with their behaviors, geographic ranges, physiologies, development, genetics, and more. A herpetologist is a zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Many herpetologists focus on conservation of these species. Others use them to assess overall environmental conditions in a particular area. What Does a Herpetologist Do?

Herpetologists study animals in the wild, where they determine or assess potential threats from pollution, invasive species, disease, and other factors. They often inventory or estimate animal populations. Herpetologists study their behavior, development, genetics, and distributions to better understand their ecological niches, the ecosystem services they supply, and the challenges they face. They may make recommendations to policy makers on how to protect them. Since many reptiles and amphibians are considered "indicator species", their research may be used to evaluate overall changes in the environment. Herpetologists may plan and manage disease control and conservation programs. Many conduct environmental impact studies or wildlife impact studies for the government. They may share their research findings by writing journal articles or presenting at professional conferences. Some educate the public through programs and talks. Collection managers at museums care for preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles. They catalog, organize, and document them, and make them available to researchers. These jobs usually require a master's degree in biology or museum studies. Zoo curator and supervisor jobs are administrative positions that involve running a herpetology department, managing educational programs, and related duties. They usually only work with reptiles and amphibians.

The work of herpetologists is important for the conservation of threatened and endangered species like American crocodiles and sea turtles. Many species of frogs are barraged by various threats, including disease and climate change. Herpetologists may focus on saving this species, or using them to evaluate overall environmental conditions in an ecosystem. Where Does a Herpetologist Work? Many herpetologists work as faculty members or research staff at colleges and universities. Others are employed by government agencies that deal with wildlife and the environment. Many get jobs in museums where they work with exhibits and collections and participate in public programming. Others work for zoos where they work with live animals and the public. Industrial and medical biotechnology now offer new employment opportunities for biological researchers. Other large companies hire herpetologists as environmental specialists. Some herpetologists teach biology in high schools. A herpetologist's work environment will likely depend on his or her area of research. Research studying the developmental, anatomical, or genetic aspects of reptiles and amphibians is generally done in laboratories. Research on a species' ecology, behavior, reproduction, population biology and distribution usually involves a lot of fieldwork. Fieldwork can be strenuous and isolating, and may require night hours when dealing with nocturnal species.

What Is the Average Herpetologist Salary? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups herpetologists with zoologists and wildlife biologists. It lists the 2012 median annual wage for these workers as $57,710. At $72,700, those in the federal government earned the most. They were followed by zoologists employed in research and development ($59,670), local government ($57,110), management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($56,740), state colleges, universities, and professional schools ($55,610), and state government ($51,780). State Maintain security, inventory, feeding and husbandry records databases Assist with other documentation and record keeping as needed Develop systems to better track data Provide input and support for quality assurance and health & safety systems Senior herpetologists often assume a leadership role within the workgroup.

Additional tasks may look like: Advising administrators and other stakeholders regarding herpetological information Providing consultation to external agencies, professionals, or researchers Creating and delivering presentations, reports, and articles for internal or external partners or the general public Engaging in the design and development of facilities Developing software programs to facilitate data collection and predictive modeling Planning, organizing, and participating in outreach and advocacy programs Constructing funding and grant applications Overseeing team budgets, milestones, and systems Assisting and mentoring team members Establishing efficient workgroup systems Supporting team members' research What Is the Job Demand for Herpetologists? Employment in these fields is projected to grow 5% from 2012 to 2022, which is slower than average for all occupations. Retirements will open up some opportunities in this field. However, government budgets will govern demand for zoology jobs in the public sector. Competition for jobs is very strong. Candidates with practical experience gained through volunteer work for zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations will have the best opportunities. How Do I Get a Herpetologist Degree?

Nearly all positions in this field require at least a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in biology or a closely related field. A few schools offer undergraduate programs in herpetology, natural history, and invertebrate zoology. Biology courses for aspiring herpetologists generally include introductory biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, herpetology, and other coursework. Students must also take courses in chemistry, calculus, physics, and computer science. Knowledge of foreign languages can open up opportunities for fieldwork and research in other countries and make it go more smoothly. Opportunities for those with only a bachelor's degree are limited. Many herpetologists work in research positions, which require advanced degrees. This is almost always the case for faculty positions at colleges and universities. Related Degree Options for Herpetologists Environmental Geoscience Degree What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Herpetologists Have? The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is an international professional organization dedicated to the study and conservation of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. It organizes an annual meeting and symposia, publishes the scientific journal Copeia, and hosts a job board.

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles is the largest international herpetological society. It focuses largely on conservation. It has a diverse offering of publications, meetings, and symposia. It also hosts a list of regional herpetology societies around the world, and offers a manuscript review service for members. What is Herpetology? - The British Herpetological Society The British Herpetological Society No. 205666 What is Herpetology? Herpetology is the study of some of the planet's most fascinating creatures - reptiles and amphibians. Herpetology, both as a science and as a hobby, has important implications for conservation, research and education. For example captive breeding programmes can provide the lifeline some species need to come back from the brink; snake venom can greatly contribute to the medical world; and amphibians are excellent bio-indicators for environment quality and change. Keeping pet reptiles and amphibians in the UK is now as popular as keeping cats and dogs. The interest in herpetology has never been higher. What is a Herpetologist? (with pictures) What is a Herpetologist?

Last Modified Date: 13 December 2016 Copyright Protected: These 10 animal facts will amaze you A herpetologist is a zoologist who specializes in reptiles and amphibians , including crocodilians, amphisbaenians, lizards, snakes, and turtles and tortoises. The word "herpetology" comes from the Greek herpeton that means "to creep." People who work in this field are also known as "herps," and "field herping" is the study and collection of these animals and their identification through guidebooks and other materials. To qualify for entry-level jobs at zoos, government agencies, and field biology institutions, a person typically needs a bachelor's degree in biology or herpetology. Herpetologists who want to teach at the university level, or advance their careers in the field, usually need a master's or doctoral degree, though requirements vary depending on the type of career and the region. This field can be a difficult to work in, as entry-level jobs can be low-paying or unpaid entirely. Many people find work on the animal side of the profession while earning their advanced degree.

Once a person earns an advanced degree, he or she can teach, work for government or non-profit agencies, assume more responsibilities at a zoo or animal habitat, or even consult on environmental issues. Those considering a career studying reptiles should check out their educational options in advance. Speaking with people already in the field; visiting museums, zoos, and aquariums; joining a regional or international herpetological society; and reading articles in scientific journals are all ways to find out more about herpetology as a career. Field observation is also important, and finding volunteer work or internships is a great way to see if it's a good career fit. The working environment for a herpetologist can vary widely, and most end up combining their expertise with another field like education, consulting, or animal breeding. Some choose to be mainly involved in research and writing their findings in scientific journals, or work for wildlife agencies, zoos, or museums. Others may work more on the animal side of the profession, and may be animal breeders or photographers. Herpetologists help in the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. They also help the medical profession with their knowledge of toxins and venoms or work in poison control centers.

Many are involved in ecological studies, and work for colleges, governments, or non-profit agencies that are trying to understand why amphibian species are declining. Some people with an interest in this field also choose not to become professionals, but rather practice herpetology as a hobby in their spare time. Ad herpetology | Definition, meaning & more | Collins Dictionary the study of reptiles and amphibians Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © Harper Collins Publishers Derived forms herpetologic (ˌhɜːpɪtəˈlɒdʒɪk ) or herpetological (ˌherpetoˈlogical) adjective Herpetology Colleges and Schools in the U.S. Herpetology Colleges and Schools in... Herpetology Colleges and Schools in the U.S. Herpetology is a branch of zoology having to do with amphibians and reptiles and their relationship to the environment. Students interested in studying in this field will find relevant coursework in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in zoology, environmental studies and related fields. Show me popular schools Graduate and undergraduate programs in zoology and environmental studies at colleges and universities across the U.S. offer the opportunity to study herpetology.

Learn about some of the schools that offer these programs, as well as some considerations for choosing a school to attend. Schools with Herpetology Programs The following 4-year universities offer degree programs that include herpetology or herpetology laboratories/facilities: College/University *Source: National Center for Education Statistics College Selection Criteria Consider the following when looking for herpetology schools: When deciding between degree programs, students should consider their research goals and their interests - such as a particular species - to find a program that most closely aligns. Individuals seeking employment as herpetology researchers often benefit from gaining field experience while earning their degree. Look for programs with internships or other hands-on experiences. Students may want to consider schools with faculty members who are interested in similar research topics or specializations. Students who need to consider financial aid and scholarships may want to search for schools that offer these opportunities, especially if choosing between a public or private institution. Bachelor's Degree Programs Aspiring herpetologists can benefit from undergraduate studies in zoology, environmental studies and related fields. Some zoology programs offer interdisciplinary options with environmental studies. Students enrolled in an environmental studies degree program study public policy and environmental law in addition to science-based classes.

Master's Degree Programs Both zoology and environmental studies are offered at the master's degree level. Both programs typically require students to complete an original research project for their thesis, which allow aspiring herpetologists to focus on a particular species or problem. Environmental studies students might develop plans for resource management and study economic and societal impacts on the ecosystem and the response of reptiles and amphibians to those changes. Doctoral Degree Programs Many herpetology-related doctoral degree programs require students to develop a dissertation based on original research with an amphibian or reptile species, have teaching experience and, in some cases, pass an oral exam. When selecting a program, students should consider the specializations offered, such as a focus on environmental impacts or field-based research. Students can find undergraduate and graduate degree programs from 4-year schools that offer study in the area of herpetology. As they choose a school to attend, students should consider their research goals and the opportunity for hands-on learning or fieldwork. herpetology | zoology | Britannica.com Herpetology alligator Herpetology, scientific study of amphibians and reptiles.

Like most other fields of vertebrate biology (e.g., ichthyology , mammalogy), herpetology is composed of a number of cross-disciplines: behaviour, ecology , physiology , anatomy, paleontology, taxonomy , and others. Most students of recent forms are narrow in their interests, working on only one order or suborder (e.g., frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards). A paleontologist is more likely to work with both amphibians and reptiles or with intermediate forms. A discussion of the high level of reptile and amphibian biodiversity around Manu National Park, … Displayed by permission of The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Herpetology as a unified science apparently stems from the ancient tendency to lump together all creeping (Greek herpetos) animals. Modern herpetology is a truly popular science, in which amateurs have made many valuable contributions in such areas as distribution, behaviour, and even taxonomy. The major part of the more technical research is carried out at universities and museums, as well as in the field.

Research into the biology of different amphibians and reptiles has contributed much to the field of general biology as for example, larval frogs and salamanders in the understanding of embryological concepts, iguanid lizards with the development of the subdiscipline of population ecology, and snake venom in increasing the understanding of human cardiac and neurological disorders. Learn More in these related articles:

Question: Herpetology is the study of what?
Answer: Reptiles